Reds primed for Jets clash

Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau says 95 per cent of his squad will be available for selection ahead of the Reds’ match with Newcastle Jets on Saturday.

With the Reds not playing a match since January 5 due to a Hyundai A-League wide break as a result of the AFC Asian Cup, Gombau said it’s been a great way for his side to refocus and prepare for this week’s clash against Newcastle Jets.

“Saturday is a game that is important because it is the start of the second half of the season,” Gombau said.

“We’re playing at home and if we want to be in the places that bring the finals home (at the end of the season), we need to start winning in the first games that we play.

“Preparing for this game we are hungry for it and we will have about 95 per cent of the squad available, which is important after this break. The boys are looking forward to this and we will try to win and get the three points that are very important.”

Focussing on United’s opponents, the Jets, Gombau explained preparation has been normal despite the Reds suffering a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in round 11 because “every game is different”.

“We went there (to Newcastle) after we won the Westfield FFA Cup after just three days,” Gombau continued.

“We had a good feeling because we won the cup and we celebrated in the normal way because it’s not every year that you win a trophy, but we lost that game.

“In the end you can see Newcastle are maybe not in a good moment, but every single game is different and in the Hyundai A-League all the teams are very equal. We don’t think that this will be an easy game.

“We need to work hard and we need to prepare for the game in a good way. Last week after the break we put a lot of intensity in the trainings and a lot of physical stuff, but this week will be more tactical and thinking about the game and what we want to do.